What are your New Year's resolutions? Many people use the new year as a clean slate to embark on all kinds of self-improvement projects. Losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising more, learning a new language...Hey, stop, we can help you with the last one (actually the library can help with all of them, but let's concentrate on learning a new language). We have a great on-line language learning product called Mango Languages. When Rosetta Stone stopped selling its on-line database to libraries, we scrambled to find a suitable replacement, and we found Mango. Their program is fun, effective and easy. You'll have the choice of Mango Basic, which covers 49 languages, including Farsi, Korean, Mandarin and Croatian, as well as ESL courses for specific language speakers. Mango Complete.

Well-Offed in Vermont by Amy Patricia MeadeTemplar Magician by P.C. DohertyForever Rumpole by John MortimerGilded Shroud by Elizabeth BaileyScotched by Kaitlyn DunnettNice place to Die by Jane McLoughlinDeep Cover by Peter TurnbullHouse of Silk by Anthony HorowitzMrs. Jeffries and the Mistletoe Mix-UpKiller's Christmas in Wales by Elizabeth J. DuncanDeception at Lyme by Carrie BebrisDevil's Ribbon by D.E. MeredithBurial at Sea by Charles FinchLondon Calling by James CraigSahara Dust by Jim IngrahamPhysical Education by Maggie BarbieriDead Last by James W. HallBroken Music by Marjorie EcclesTwelve Drummers Drumming by C.C. BenisonChelsea Mansions by Barry MaitlandThree-Day Town by Margaret MaronCoffin Man by James D. DossDeath of a Radical by Rebecca KenkinsIonia Sanction by Gary CorbyTerritory by Tricia Fields

There is no question that people in today's economy are struggling. Those of us who have jobs are grateful to have them, and those of us who don't, sorely need a hand. This is where the library comes in, via our database Career Transitions. It is a comprehensive source of information for the job seeker. It includes a resume builder option, career guidance, tips and tricks videos on how to snag that job, and even an interactive interview experience. Job listings from indeed.com make this a convenient and powerful job search tool. Whether you are a young graduate still looking for that first job, or a middle-aged career changer, you will find Career Transitions will be an enormous help to you.The search function is very easy to use, and the "My Jobs" feature will keep track of your progress as you apply for jobs. It is a very impressive database and one which is certainly useful during these tough economic times. Remote usage is available with your New City library card. So log on, try it, and good luck to you all.

India Black and the Widow of Windsor by Carol K. CarrCity of Whispers by Marcia MullerDeath at Christy Burke's by Anne EmeryUncertain Place by Fred VargasChocolate Castle Clue by JoAnna CarlDeath by the Dozen by Jenn McKinlayBad Moon by Todd RitterOne Foot in the Gravy by Delia RosenMurder of a Creped Suzette by Denise SwansonStudy in Scarlet edited by Laurie R. KingMurder on Music Road by Stuart DillUntil Thy Wrath be Past by Asa LarssonChalice of Blood by Peter TremayneI am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan BradleyFever Dream by Dennis PalumboLost Women of Lost Lake by Ellen Hart

Some of you might remember the black, maroon and tan lawbooks we kept on shelves and shelves in the reference area. They were McKinney's Statues (the laws of NY) and the U.S. Code Annotated (the laws of the U.S.) and U.S. Supreme Court Reports. Several years ago, we replaced all of them with Westlaw, an on-line database for NY statutes and cases, federal laws, Supreme Court cases, and legal forms. We are quite satisfied with the switch, and we are the only public library in the county with Westlaw access. Many lawyers who come in don't use the books and are delighted to see what they used in law school or their law firms, Westlaw. Not only have we saved a huge amount of space, but the on-line version is less expensive than the books, and we don't have to use staff time to update them with pocket parts. For non-lawyers, researching the law is a difficult task, whether you are searching books, or databases. The librarians will assist you, but we also have access to Westlaw's extremely helpful research attorneys.

A Crack in Everything by Angela GerstBlood Royal by Barbara CleverlyPerfect Suspect by Margaret CoelGetting Off by Lawrence BlockWicked Autumn by G.M. MallietLouise's War by Sarah R. ShaberBurning Soul by John ConnollyGhost Hero by S.J. RozanBacklash by Sally SpencerDead by any Other Name by Sebastian stuartDevil's Puzzle by Clare O'DonohueJane and the Canterbury Tale by Stephanie BarronDouble Death on the Black Isle by A.D. ScottNaughty in Nice by Rhys BowenQuarry's Ex by Max Allan CollinsOr the Bull Will Kill You by Jason websterThe Vault by Ruth RendellEnd of the Wasp Season by Denise MinaParadise for Fools by Nicholas KilmerShock Wave by John SandfordHeirloom Murders by Kathleen ErnstNew York to Dallas by J.D. RobbConsummata by Mickey SpillaneTragic Toppings by Jessica BeckDeath in a Difficult Position by Diana KillianMind Over Murder by Allison KinglseyFlorentine Death by Michele GiattariPotter's Field by Andrea CamilleriSerial by John Lutz

This month, I want to highlight one of our newest databases, Financial Ratings Series Online. You will find it under the business tab of our database page. It is a reliable source for checking on investments, banks and insurance companies. Stocks and mutual funds are rated as a buy or sell, and they are clearly explained. Banks and insurance companies are given a letter grade and a lengthy, but clear, explanation. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use, in fact, Library Journal called it "delightfully simple and straightforward". Updates are done on an ongoing basis, making it a timely source you won't want to miss. The convenience factor of remote access cannot be beat, either. Roll out of bed in the middle of the night, log-on to our website and there you have it. No more waiting for Morningstar and Value Line to be filed, the information comes to you. Don't despair, print Morningstar and Value Line users, we still have our print copies waiting for you at the reference desk.

Back of Beyond by C.J. BoxSkating Around the Law by Joelle CharbonneauTrick of the Light by Louise PennyDeadly Reunion by June ShawMurder by Mocha by Cleo CoyleSauvignon Secret by Ellen CrosbyGood Day to Pie by Carol CulverFlash and Bones by Kathy ReichsTwo for Sorrow by Nicola UpsonFrozen Stiff by Annelise RyanKeeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-OlsenHideout by Kathleen GeorgeWhite Heat by M.J. McGrathDeath in High Places by Jo BannisterHand That Trembles by Kjell ErikssonDick Francis's Gamble by Felix FrancisSheetcake Named Desire by Jacklyn BradyMurder Most Persuasive by Tracy KielyMurder My Neighbor by Veronica HeleyThe Bad Always Die twice by Cheryl CraneThe Burning by Jane CaseyMurder in Tuscany by Christobel KentBad Intentions by Karin Fossum

Libraries have changed quite a bit over the last decade or two due to the Internet and the advent of electronic databases. In olden days, librarians relied almost entirely on reference books to answer questions. Now the information has been transformed from print to electronic resources. Sadly, our print reference collection has shrunk and continues to get smaller. Happily, the information is still available and in a more accessible and convenient form. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the electronic library never closes, and the information you need is always there for you.